QnA With..? Royal Princess

My name is Tshegofatso Mashapa. I’m a young and talented female who loves, honours and respects the Almighty God, as without Him, there is no more. Tshegofatso Royal Princess Mashapa is a brand that draws her inspiration from Christ Jesus and the scriptures. I believe that great men and women of God are made by words, words of power from the bible.

My favourite genre of music is Hip hop, rap, R&B, Gospel and a bit of soul music. I would say that the kind of music that my entire family listened to is what influenced my choice of music, as I have had an opportunity to listen to a bit of everything to decide on what is best for me. Music and Art have always been my passion from a young age, as I remember my early years of singing in the Primary School choir and doing drama, as well as participating in different events that involved art. Sports was also one of my passions and strengths, particularly, Hockey and Athletics.

Thinking back to early childhood, what was your first experience with music for the first time like? What song do you remember most as a child?

Colourful and raw in the sense that I had no vocal coach yet, but I could master a few notes here and there. The song I remember the most as a child would be R. Kelly's 'I Believe I Can Fly'

Who are your musical inspirations?

Some of the artists that inspire me are, Lecrae, Triplee, Recky D, Proverb and Sinach. In addition to that, my stage name is Royal Princess, I would define her as a music minister, a singer, song writer, rapper/ emcee, poet and a presenter on a youth show that plays on LoveworldSAT called “AMP”.

How would you describe your musical image?

Young, fresh and funky. As for portraying it, I think it comes naturally. It's very important because it distinguishes you from other artists, and personally reminds you to focus on your own brand. As an artist, one should adopt what I call a learning mentality. Never think you know it all because we grow as we learn, it's a daily process. What further distinguishes me from others is that I am my own competition and I never try sound like anyone else. My music is about inspiring people and giving them hope and confidence in a better tomorrow. I can say I'm an honest artist.

What genre of music can't you stand to listening to?

Old school Soul music (hides). I listen to Gospel, Rap, House and Rnb. The most embarrassing song I have on my mp.3 player is Flawess by Beyonce. If I could dabble in any other genre of music it would definitely be house music. I would like to work with Proverb and The Soil because I like their writing and sound. If I could open for anyone in SA it would have to be Cassper Nyovest and HHP.

What are your immediate music career goals?

To release my album next year and shoot as many videos as possible. In # years time I want the entire south Africa to listen to ROYAL PRINCESS beacuse she carries a special message. Success is contentment and appreciation of what you have as you keep on making progress and winning and moving forward. Success also implies bieng able to make a difference in the next persons life.

Connect with Royal Princess on:

Twitter: @RP_ZOE

Facebook: Tshegofatso Royal Princess

Instagram: @RealRoyalPrincess